5 Creative Ways for Moms to Enjoy a Healthy Holiday Season

This post is sponsored by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare.

Yesterday, while strolling through the grocery store, I was halted in my tracks by the sight of the seasonal aisle overflowing with pumpkin spice and apple-themed goodies.
What does this signify? It means autumn is nearly upon us! Soon, the leaves will transition into vibrant hues, the air will turn crisp, and kids will be back at school.

At that point, it seems like things might be returning to normal, but the holiday season chaos is just around the corner! The holidays bring more opportunities to spend time with loved ones, and you definitely want to keep everyone in your home healthy enough to enjoy the festivities. To prepare for the influx of germs, here are some of my trusted mom hacks.

1. Keep Germs in Check: While I can’t eliminate every germ, I can ensure that high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and trash can lids are regularly disinfected with antibacterial wipes. Additionally, placing napkins near snack bowls encourages guests to use them instead of their hands.

1. Promote Hand Washing: It’s easy to remind kids to wash their hands after using the restroom, but it can be awkward to remind adults. To make it easier, set up hand washing stations that are easy to find. Fresh, pleasantly scented soaps and festive towels can provide a gentle nudge. For example, saying, “Hey Grandma, don’t you love the scent of my new apple cinnamon hand soap?” can make it less uncomfortable.

1. Medicine Cabinet Essentials: Kids often catch colds more easily because their immune systems are still developing. I stay prepared for those inconvenient “Sick just got real.” moments by keeping my medicine cabinet stocked with Children’s Advil® Suspension (for ages 2-11), Children’s Robitussin® (for ages 6+), and Children’s Dimetapp® (for ages 6+).

1. Fresh Air Matters: On chilly days, allow your home to air out before and after gatherings to prevent stale air. Using a fan can speed up the process. If it gets too cold, close the windows but keep the curtains open to let sunlight in, as sunlight helps naturally eliminate viruses and bacteria.

1. Keep Things Cool: While I don’t mean freezing your home, try to maintain a cooler temperature during parties, as viruses find it harder to thrive in cooler environments. The spread of viruses tends to increase in winter months, when people congregate indoors, so a cooler space can help mitigate that.

What special mom hacks do you use during the holidays to keep your family healthy?